Apply to Alternative Breaks
Check out our AB info night, Sept 29, 7pm in Sullivan Lounge!
All applications (participant, leader, faculty/staff, and scholarship) are due on Friday October 2, 2009 for the entire 09-10 school year (winter, spring and summer trips). After you have completed the application, come in to the CSA office (Malone 360) or give us a call (310.338.2959) and sign up for an interview time (applications cannot be considered without an interview with the AB Team). Before applying, please read the following information about the AB program.
Basic trip information:
We have room for 9-12 student participants on each Alternative Breaks trip. Because of the great interest in the Alternative Breaks program, the application process is a bit competitive. Still, the application process is a good opportunity for you to learn more about the Alternative Breaks program, just as we enjoy the opportunity to learn more about you and your interest in this experience.
Important Dates for Alternative Breaks
Applicant requirements to be an AB Trip Participant:
This program is open to all LMU students. No prior Alternative Breaks, travel, or service experience is required. The most important requirements are an open mind, an open heart, and a sincere desire to work together with others to make our world a better place. If you are studying abroad in the fall you are allowed to apply for spring and summer trips.
Summer AB Trips:
Alternative Break trips during the summer may last 2 or more weeks. Seniors are not allowed to travel as participants in summer Alternative Breaks trips. In our experience, graduated seniors have a difficult time focusing on summer Alternative Breaks trips because they understandably have personal and future issues to figure out! We would rather encourage Freshman, Sophomores and Juniors to participate in summer trips, and then bring back their knowledge to LMU.
Time commitment:
AB group members must participate in the entire AB trip (you cannot arrive late to the trip, or leave early). Participants will be expected to attend all group meetings set by the leaders of their trips (usually once or twice per month). Participants are required to participate in all education, preparation and fundraising activities for their respective breaks. All participants in Alternative Breaks must attend Stories of Solidarity on April 16, 3-5pm. Finally, all students will be required to attend pre-trip meetings (Winter Break: 3 meetings; Spring Break: 5 meetings; Summer: 7 meetings) before their trip. Leaders will be responsible for setting meetings all meeting times in advance that do not conflict with participants' schedules. One unexcused absence is permitted, but for subsequent unexcused absences, participants will be fined $25 (fines will be added to trip fees). In addition, more than one unexcused absence from pre-trip meetings may result in removal from the Alternative Breaks program.
AB Trip Prices and Accomodations:
Prices for trips are all inclusive. Basic travel (airline, car, or bus) and basic room and board are included. AB accomodations are as varied as the places to which we travel and can include homestays, hostels, dormitories, missions, camping, basic hotels, or anything in between. Participants are required to pay for any necessary travel vaccines, any additional food or snacks (above the basic meals), and other incidentals (souvenirs, medications, etc). Scholarship applications are available below. Please see our FAQ page for more information about paying for your AB trip.
Applicant requirements to be an AB Trip Leader:
In order to maintain the quality of the Alternative Breaks program, leadership priority will be be given to applicants who have previous AB experience. The leader application process is very competitive--we have room for 2 student leaders on each Alternative Break trip. AB trip leaders pay 1/2 the price of the participants, but there are additional time commitments and responsibilities (see the leader application below for more information).
LMU Staff and Faculty:
At least one LMU staff person goes on each AB trip. Occasionally an additional staff person or faculty member will accompany a trip. Staff and faculty members go on AB trips as participants, and are asked to be part of the team. Their role is to participate in all daily activities as an active group member, to support the AB student leaders throughout the trip, and to act in the event of an emergency.
For Alternative Breaks Trip Schedule & Description click here AB trips for 09-10
Fill out one of the following applications:
Note: If you apply to be a leader and are not selected, you will automatically be placed in the participant pool (no need to also fill out a separate participant application)
Scholarships are available based on financial need; applications are also due on October 2. If you are placed on a trip, you will be notified by November 3 of your placement if you received a scholarship. If you still cannot afford your trip after you find out if you've received a scholarship, individual and group fundraising options are available.